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The Insider’s Guide to Kuari Pass Trek in the Garhwal Uttarakhand, Himalayas

Kuari Pass Trek is reckoned to have been explored by Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon and hence have also got the name as Lord Curzon Trail. Tucked in the Garhwal Himalaya and a short distance from skiing destination called Auli, Kuari Pass Trek is ideal for beginners and those who wish to take the real feel of what it is to live amidst the snow. The trek also ensures to open up gateways for the unexplored to be witnessed, the rural culture to be seen and the simple living to be experienced. Despite all the hardship that one might deal with while on this trek, the fastening fact remains that this trek brings you closer to nature and help you explore your own strength.

Here are few things that you need to know about Kuari Pass trek before you embark on this dynamic trek:

  • Also Known As: Lord Curzon Trail
  • Location: Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand
  • Base: Rishikesh
  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
  • Approx Trek: 50 kms
  • Average Elevation: 3650m
  • Type of Trek: Winter Trek
  • Best Time to Visit: November to March
  • Highlights of the Trek: Auli, Nanda Devi Peak, Trishul Peak, Gorson Bugyal, Tali Lake

Also Check Out: Detailed Kuari Pass Trekking Itinerary

Kuari Pass Winter Trek

How to Get Here?

Rishikesh is the base for Kuari Pass. It can be reached via Haridwar (for Haridwar many direct and indirect trains and buses are available from major cities in India). From Haridwar, Rishikesh is only about 24kms. Once you are in Rishikesh, you can plan your journey to Joshimath, which is about 256kms. Now, you can decide, where you wish to stay i.e. in Joshimath or Auli (16kms from Joshimath).

Trekking Routes

A moderate trek in Garhwal Himalaya, the trekking trail of Kuari Pass trek offers a distinctive view of the landscape of Uttarakhand. On this trek to Kuari Pass, you will get an opportunity to gaze at the sky-kissing peaks Kamet (7756m), Trishul (7120m), Chaukhamba (7128m), great peak of Nanda Devi (7817m) and its twin Nanda Devi East (7434m) along with other less popular yet imposing peaks like Ghunti, Hathi Ghodi Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Mukut Parbat, Mana, Rishi Pahad, and Changbang. You will traverse through remote villages that boast of their simple living yet rich culture. Since Kuari Pass is the popular trek, you have the chance to enjoy the pleasing colours in the surrounding with trees’ leaves turning yellow and orange and the brown mountain clad with white snow. While the trek is dotted with Oak, Deodar and Rhododendron trees, the Bugyals (especially Gorson Bugyal) or large meadows anticipate being snow-blanketed anytime soon. The trails can also give the chance to catch the glimpse of Himalayan black bears and pugmarks of leopards. The highlights of Kuari Pass trek are the view of Nanda Devi Massif, the Vinayak Pass, Tali Top and the Gorson Bugyal.

Now there are two popular routes to do Kuari Pass trek and you have complete independence of which one you should choose as both the trails are unique in themselves and are equally beautiful:

Kuari Pass Trek Route 1: Rishikesh – Nandprayag – Ghat – Sutol Village – Ghunni – Jhinjhi Village – Pana Village – Dakhwani – Kuari Pass – Tali – Auli – Joshimath – Rishikesh

Accommodation Destinations: Rishikesh, Ghat, Ghunni, Pana Village, Dakhwani, Tali Meadows, Joshimath

Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass Trek Route 2: Rishikesh – Joshimath – Dhak Village – Karchi Village – Tugasi Village – Palogeta Village – Gulling – Chonter Gatta – Bor Tal – Tali Campsite-Chitrakantha – Khulara Meadows-Kuari View Point 1- Chitrakantha Top – Lord Curzon Trail – Puli Dhar Col – Auli via Tali and Gorson Bugyal – Rishikesh

Accommodation Destinations: Chitrakantha, Gulling, Tali, Chitrakantha, Auli, Joshimath

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Published: 24 May, 2022

About the author

Arun Joshi

Having an experience of more than 16 yrs in the Himalayas, Arun is the main driving force & mentor at the Peak Adventure Tours, a leading adventure travel agency in India offers trekking tours in Indian Himalayas including Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet. A long history with exceptional experiences he is the “Marathon Man” in the field of adventure. Today Arun looks after the Peak Adventure and shapes & designs the venture of the organization. He is contributing to this blog as a regular guest author.